Audit, Finance, and Administration Committee Meeting – December 4, 2025

• High-level summary

  • The committee approved the agenda and November 13 minutes, and then discussed Ontario Works overpayments and the ongoing value-for-money audit. They reviewed staffing and recipient data (Peel vs Hamilton) to inform accountability concerns. Counselor Tison declared a disqualifying interest regarding item 10.1 (Glamford Curling Club) and abstained from discussion and voting on that item. The meeting affirmed continued involvement with the auditor general and set follow-up actions for reporting and oversight.

• Five Most Important Topics Discussed

  1) Approval of Agenda and Minutes

  • The agenda was approved as presented and the November 13 minutes were adopted unanimously.
  • Direct quotes:
    • "Mover and second to approve the agenda as presented. Any amendments to the agenda from committee members? No? Okay, show of hands."
  • Public input: None noted for this procedural item; focus was on approvals.

  2) Declaration of Interest by Counselor Tison

  • Counselor Tison declared a disqualifying interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act regarding item 10.1 (Glamford Curling Club) and abstained from participation.
  • Direct quote:
    • "I wish to declare a disqualifying interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act regarding the item related to the Glamford Curling Club... I will not take part in the discussion, debate, or vote on the matter."
  • Public input: None recorded; this was an internal governance matter.

  3) Ontario Works Overpayments Analysis

  • Hafi Hussein presented a comparison of Ontario Works overpayment collections between Peel and Hamilton (2022–2024), noting Peel’s higher recoveries.
  • Direct quote:
    • "In 2022, the collection of overpayments in the Region of Peel was $3,277,342 versus the City of Hamilton at $545,169."
  • Public input: Delegation input informing concerns about administration and accountability.

  4) Audit and Fraud Review for Ontario Works

  • Hussein stressed the importance of the value-for-money audit and eligibility verification review, questioning Hamilton’s efficiency relative to Peel.
  • Direct quote:
    • "My questions that I have and I continue to bring this up to the auditor general is..."
  • Public input:Ongoing audit discussion invites broader accountability; no direct public questions recorded in this section.

  5) Comparison of Staffing and Recipients (Peel vs Hamilton)

  • Hussein provided context: Peel has about 35,000 active Ontario Works recipients and 340 FTEs; Hamilton has about 23,000 recipients and 222.5 staff, suggesting staffing differences may affect recovery outcomes.
  • Direct quote:
    • "The Region of Peel has 35,000 active recipients of Ontario Works and approximately 340 FTE employees versus the City of Hamilton with 23,000 recipients and 222.5 staff."
  • Public input: Contextual information; no direct public questions recorded in this section.

• File Numbers Discussed

  • Item 10.1: Glamford Curling Club (flagged due to Counselor Tison’s conflict of interest).

• Opportunities for Public Input

  • No specific public consultation opportunities were noted in this AFNA section. Input related to Ontario Works audits and reporting could arise in future meetings or public forums.

• Motions and Outcomes 1) Motion: Approval of Agenda

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
  • Next Steps: Proceed with the meeting as per the approved agenda.

  2) Motion: Approval of Minutes (November 13)

  • Outcome: Passed unanimously.
  • Next Steps: Minutes adopted; no further action required.

  3) Motion: Declaration of Interest (Item 10.1)

  • Outcome: Counselor Tison abstained from participation in discussion and voting on this item.
  • Next Steps: Counselor Tison to complete required paperwork for the declaration.

• Follow-Up Actions

  • The auditor general is expected to continue the value-for-money audit and eligibility verification review for Ontario Works, addressing concerns raised about overpayment recovery discrepancies.

• Councillors Present

  • Cooper
  • Wang
  • Tatis
  • Clark (participating online)
  • Moren Wilson
  • Alex Wilson
  • Bey
  • Crutch
  • Tison (declared conflict; abstaining on item 10.1)
  • Chair (unnamed) presiding over the meeting

• Notable Direct Quotes (from this AFNA section)

  • "Mover and second to approve the agenda as presented. Any amendments to the agenda from committee members? No? Okay, show of hands."
  • "I wish to declare a disqualifying interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act regarding the item related to the Glamford Curling Club... I will not take part in the discussion, debate, or vote on the matter."
  • "In 2022, the collection of overpayments in the Region of Peel was $3,277,342 versus the City of Hamilton at $545,169."
  • "My questions that I have and I continue to bring this up to the auditor general is..."
  • "The Region of Peel has 35,000 active recipients of Ontario Works and approximately 340 FTE employees versus the City of Hamilton with 23,000 recipients and 222.5 staff."